If you’ve taken a day trip to Sky Meadows, you know how refreshing it is to take in the beauty of our mountains, valleys and vistas. When the sun sets and the park gates close, a different type of beauty makes itself known: a dark sky full of brilliant stars, planets and galaxies.

In our efforts to make this beautiful night sky even more available to viewers like you, we have partnered with the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (NOVAC) to expand our dark sky programming and after-hour sky observation opportunities.

Astronomers set up their telescopes for dark sky viewing at Sky Meadows

The Northern Virginia Astronomy Club is one of the largest clubs in the world with over 800 members and is a major hub for astronomy activities and public outreach in the Northern Virginia and DC Metro area.

In partnership with Sky Meadows, NOVAC members will have the opportunity to become part of the Sky Meadows Dark Sky Volunteer Group and enjoy year-round after-hour park access for amateur astronomy activities. In turn, these members will support Sky Meadows through participating in and leading Dark Sky programs at the park.

This partnership supports our desire to increase opportunities for amateur astronomy activities in the park and marks a major step forward as Sky Meadows pursues designation as a Dark Sky Park with the International Dark Sky Association.

Astronomy presentation at Astronomy for Everyone program

Moving forward, NOVAC will be a key partner in our monthly Astronomy for Everyone programs and other dark sky programs, bringing the expertise, enthusiasm and observation equipment of its members to provide the best dark sky experience for all who attend.

Astronomy for Everyone programs begin with a half-hour Junior Astronomer program for kids, led by NOVAC volunteers. Following a presentation by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab Ambassadors, NOVAC members will have their telescopes out for viewing, available for anyone who wants to take a closer look at that vast nighttime beauty.

On top of supporting our ongoing Astronomy for Everyone programs NOVAC will hold one large special observation event per year, set to begin in 2021. This is another great opportunity to come enjoy the night sky.

Astronomer shares his knowledge at a Sky Meadows astronomy program

Are you an amateur astronomer, and interested in becoming a Dark Sky volunteer yourself? Contact the park’s Volunteer Coordinator, Ryan Selove, at skvolunteer@dcr.virginia.gov to learn more.

If astronomy sparks your curiosity and wonder, becoming a Northern Virginia Astronomy Club member is also a great way to network with other astro-enthusiasts, learn about observation opportunities and start volunteering at Sky Meadows’ Dark Sky programs. You can learn more about the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club at their website: https://www.novac.com/wp/

We encourage you to "know before you go." Check the webpage before you visit the park for alerts and updates.